Decadent dishes at the Sheridan Inn

Yellowstone, Grand Teton and American Western history

From towering, snow-capped mountain ranges to elevated prairies, Wyoming is an outpost of rugged beauty, and home to some of the USA’s most diverse wildlife. This state also has a friendly, welcoming culture with a Western flair that is evident from the luxury of Jackson Hole to its historic small towns. From big skies, cowboy culture and American Indian powwows to five-star food, sumptuous spas and a lively craft beer scene, Wyoming offers an invigorating view into authentic Western life.

Wyoming's Stunning Landscapes

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Wide, Open Spaces

The USA’s least populous state, Wyoming is also one of the richest in unspoiled nature. Two of the most famous U.S. national parks – Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park – are located here. These destinations beckon outdoors lovers and adventurers looking to unplug and tune into Mother Nature. It’s not uncommon to spot impressive wild animals like bear, bison, elk and coyotes roaming the plains of this vast and beautiful state.

Yellowstone is dotted with sputtering geothermal geysers and colorful hot springs, the most famous of which are Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. The Grand Teton mountain range, in the northwestern portion of the state, has mountains great for hiking and winter skiing and snowboarding. The tallest of peaks here reaches 4,200 meters (13,770 feet). In the valley below sits the charming town of Jackson, a posh skiing and hiking respite with a historic “Wild, Wild West” feel. Grand Teton and Yellowstone are connected by the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway; make it a back-to-back trip for the ultimate outdoor holiday.

Ranch Life, City Life

Such vast landscapes mean ranching is a big part of local culture. No visit to Wyoming is complete without experiencing an authentic dude ranch to live out your cowboy and cowgirl dreams. Eatons’ Ranch is the country's first and oldest dude ranch, while Vee Bar Guest Ranch, Gros Ventre River Ranch and The Hideout Lodge are also favorites. All offer more activities than you'll have time to try out: horseback riding, cattle working, campfires under the stars, fly fishing, river tubing, camping, canoeing, hiking and more.

Wyoming’s big cities are quaint by some standards – even the largest city, the state capital of Cheyenne, has just 60,000 residents – but offer a blend of down-home, Western culture with city amenities. Cheyenne and Casper, the second-largest city, feature museums, special events, local shopping and a hearty culinary scene accompanied by a number of breweries and distilleries. In the popular gateway town of Jackson, look for fine dining and boutique shopping by day followed by spectacular stargazing at night.

Wyoming's Tribal History

Wyoming's diverse history also includes the legacies of American Indian tribes. The state was home to several tribes collectively known today as the Plains Indians. The Wind River Indian Reservation, located in the Wind River Basin, is the home of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Visitors can discover this heritage at many landmarks and experiences around the state, including the Vore Buffalo Jump, Medicine Wheel, authentic pow wows and the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary, the only wild horse sanctuary on an Indian reservation in the USA.

Wyoming's Stunning Landscapes

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Fun Fact

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With vast spaces and wonderful wilderness to explore, Wyoming is the USA’s 10th largest state in land mass but the least populated with about 580,000 people.

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Outlaw State: Supposedly Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid picked up their nicknames in Wyoming.

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Wyoming is home to three national firsts: the first National Forest, Shoshone; the first National Monument, Devils Tower; and the first National Park, Yellowstone.

Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism

Must see places

Yellowstone National Park

One of the most-visited national parks in the USA, Yellowstone offers incomparable beauty amid the rugged mountains, valleys, spectacular geysers and natural hot springs. Must-see sites include geothermal features – including Old Faithful – at Lower and Upper Geyser Basins, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing. With nearly 9,000 square kilometers of protected wildlands, Yellowstone offers abundant outdoor recreation year-round.

Grand Teton National Park

Backpacking, hiking, horseback riding, snow sports, paddling the Snake River and rock climbing are just a few of the activities available at spectacular Grand Teton National Park. Soak in the views of jagged mountain peaks, pretty lakes and historical sites along several scenic drives throughout the park.

Devils Tower National Monument

Jutting out of the earth is an awe-inspiring, 65-million-year-old rock formation considered a sacred site by Northern Plains Indians. Hike the Tower Trail and you’ll see prayer cloths placed there by local tribe members, but do not touch or photograph them. To learn about the unique geology, indigenous people and wildlife of the area, take a ranger-led park tour. The truly adventurous – and skilled – can try climbing its sheer vertical sides.

Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Once a crucial trading point along the Oregon Trail and the largest military post in the region, Fort Laramie is a time capsule of the early pioneer era. Tour the 1834 military fort and fur-trading post to see 12 restored buildings, mingle with interpretive guides in period dress, hike the Old Iron Bridge and explore history on a scavenger hunt.

Cheyenne Frontier Days

Since 1897, this week-long celebration of Wyoming’s frontier heritage offers a deep dive into American Western culture. Find a recreated frontier town, a substantial rodeo schedule, bull riding, an American Indian Village, concerts, a chuck wagon cook-off and plenty of family-friendly entertainment, including a parade and carnival.

National Elk Refuge

Take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge near Jackson, where more than 7,000 majestic elk –one of the largest herds in the world – spend the winter. Fall is elk-breeding season, which can result in dramatic displays and bull calls. Spring and summer are prime time for bird watching in the refuge.

Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Encompassing five museums under one roof – Buffalo Bill Museum, Whitney Gallery of Western Art, Plains Indian Museum, Cody Firearms Museum and Draper Natural History Museum – this is the place to learn about the American West. The center and Cody, the city where it’s located, are named after folk hero William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody, a Wild West showman, buffalo hunter and U.S. Army scout.

Wind River Country

Set in the expansive Wind River mountain range, Wind River Country is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes on the seventh-largest American Indian reservation in the USA. Throughout the region’s small towns, you’ll find heritage and cultural centers, historic districts, powwows and trading posts set against a gorgeous mountain backdrop.

Bighorn Mountains

Scenic highways and overlooks await visitors who travel through this range that leads to Yellowstone. Explore forests, take in the wildlife, visit cultural centers, see a rodeo or enjoy a music festival as you marvel at the wilderness, deserts and craggy peaks found here.

National Historic Trails Interpretive Center

This center in Casper traces the incredible journeys of the half-million pioneers who passed through Wyoming on their westward progression via the California, Oregon, Mormon and Pony Express trails. It’s a must-see for history buffs, and admission is always free.